Isla Baring OAM Bio

ISLA BARING has been awarded the Order of Australian Medal (OAM) general division for her service to the arts — supporting young Australian musicians and performing artists!

Isla Violet Baring OAM founded The Tait Memorial Trust in 1992 in memory of her father, Sir Frank Tait and his 4 brothers, who played such an important part in the establishment of theatre and the performing arts in Australia. Isla’s mother, Viola Tait, inspired her to organise a fundraising concert in support of a young Australian singer, Liane Keegan, who was newly arrived in London. It kicked off with a Christmas Concert at Australia House. The concert was a great success, became the foundation of our yearly events and Liane is now
singing major roles in Berlin.

The Tait Memorial Trust has since then raised more than £130,000 to help support young Australian musicians and ballet dancers who need financial assistance while they are studying in the U.K. The Trust offers grants for study, performance opportunities to young musicians and performing artists as well as general help in the furtherance of their careers while resident in the UK. Many of the young Artists continue to achieve world recognition and perform at the Tait’s Rush Hour concert series which regularly presents emerging and established Australian talent.

Isla Baring was born in Melbourne; she was the eldest daughter of Sir Frank and Lady Tait. Sir Frank Tait, was the youngest of the Tait brothers, he was Managing Director of JC Williamsons until he died in 1965 aged 83. The Tait Brothers played a vital role in promoting the performing Arts in Australia between 1905 and 1965 In 1963 Sir Frank Tait formed The Sutherland /Williamson International Grand Opera company, the biggest Grand Opera company ever formed in Australia. Sir Frank made it possible for Dame Joan Sutherland to return to her home country, with Richard Bonynge as artistic Director and Conductor. She sang some of the best performances of her career. She performed in 5 of the 8 operas and the young Pavarotti was in the cast, the beginning of his successful career.

Dame Joan Sutherland was Founding Patron to The Tait Trust Isla divides her time in London and Hampshire, and South of France and Australia.